‘I’ve never seen something like this’ – Bruno Fernandes slams Man Utd fans’ treatment of Joshua Zirkzee
BRUNO FERNANDES slammed his own fans for their treatment of team-mate Joshua Zirkzee against Newcastle.
The forward was heavily booed at Old Trafford before his 33rd minute substitution was greeted by cheers.
Zirkzee headed straight down the tunnel before returning to the bench, with some reports claiming he became tearful.
Fernandes watched the affair play out from the bench too due to his suspension, and he revealed the fans’ attitude annoyed him.
The United captain told talkSPORT: “I was in the stands and I’ve never seen something like this.
“And it really frustrates me and annoys me because he’s a player that always gives it his all.
“As a player that is coming into the team from a different league, he needs time to adapt but, he has huge qualities.
“He hasn’t shown all the quality but it can’t be that from the first game of the season everyone was hyping him as one of the best strikers and now everyone does not believe in him anymore.
“We do believe in him inside the dressing room.
“I would rather be myself in this position against Newcastle and not seeing one of my team-mates in that position.”
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Man Utd player ratings vs Liverpool
Andre Onana – 7
Saved well from Alexis Mac Allister early on and looked strong on set-pieces – could do nothing about either goal and almost stopped Mo Salah’s penalty.
Another two saves right at the death helped his men earn a point.
Noussair Mazraoui – 7
Strong performance to help frustrate Liverpool and produced important interceptions and tackles to clear danger.
Matthijs de Ligt – 7
The Dutchman was another impressive member of the back three and seemed on a mission not to leave Anfield without a share of the spoils.
Harry Maguire – 7
Marshalled the defence well and won several big tackles and clearances.
Had his day spoiled by a yellow card for what looked to a be another great challenge and then blazed over right at the death.
Lisandro Martinez – 7
Excellent alongside the rest of the back three and finished his strike like a seasoned striker.
Diogo Dalot – 7
Played on the front foot and was an attacking threat throughout but landed himself a booking for a needless and blatant foul on Mo Salah.
Kobbie Mainoo – 7
Great defensive and compact display as he got the better of his England rival Curtis Jones in front of Thomas Tuchel.
Was only taken off after United fell behind as his manager went more offensive.
Manuel Ugarte – 6
Just got caught out of position and was punished for Cody Gakpo’s goal, which marred an otherwise hard-fought and disciplined display.
Amad Diallo – 7
Turning into a man capable of producing big moments after another crucial strike. Had messed up twice in two earlier attacks but took his goal superbly.
Bruno Fernandes – 8
The skipper was on top form for the Red Devils both defensively and with the ball.
Led his team well and fully deserved at least a point.
Rasmus Hojlund – 5
Came underfire for slack marking from Fernandes early doors then blew a big chance after beating the offside trap – a chance you NEED to take at Anfield.
Struggled to make much of an impact with the ball.
Zirkzee has since been tipped to leave United on loan this month amid interest from Juventus and Napoli.
But he made a cameo appearance against Liverpool at the weekend and produced what should have been an assist for Harry Maguire, who blazed over from close range.